For senators, Mary Jane Veloso's repatriation shows the Philippine government's commitment to the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero hopes that Veloso’s repatriation is only the first of many Filipinos similarly situated in various parts of the world. Escudero said that this proves that President Marcos and his government truly care for our OFWs who are in a different land and away from their family, comfort zones, and weather/surroundings that they are accustomed to.
"We must make them feel 'the long arm of government' to protect and shield them whenever they need help. But let this also be a wake up call for all of us to focus on the plight of similarly situated Filipino," he said.
He added that this should be the primary function not only of the Department of Migrant Workers but all embassies and consulates abroad.
"We should, therefore, ask the Department of Foreign Affairs - as I am now asking them - to inventory and make an accounting of Filipinos who are incarcerated in a foreign country the nature of the cases against them what has or can be done to help them regain their liberty; how we can assist to make their detention," he said.
"In the meantime, more bearable, to check with their families here if they are alright and how we can help them visit and see their loved one deprived of their liberty abroad… and to explore and push for a treaty on 'prisoner swap' for the service of sentences here (closer to their loved ones) of convicted Filipinos abroad," he added.
For Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, what was impossible became possible due to the determination to overcome all odds.
"Pinatunayan ito ng ating pamahalaan sa kaso ni Mary Jane Veloso, na sa kabila ng pagkakabilang sa death row sa Indonesia ay nabigyan ng last-minute reprieve sa nakatakda niya sanang execution noong 2015 at sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ay naisakatuparan ang kanyang repatriation (Our government proved this in the case of Mary Jane Veloso, who, despite being on death row in Indonesia, received a last-minute reprieve from her scheduled execution in 2015. Under the current administration, her repatriation has been successfully carried out)," he said.
"Patunay ito ng lakas ng ating diplomatikong ugnayan ng ating bansa at ng Indonesia at patuloy na pagsusumikap na protektahan ang karapatan at bigyan ng kaukulang suporta ang ating mga kababayan saan man na sulok ng mundo sila naroroon (This is proof of the strength of our diplomatic relations with Indonesia and our ongoing efforts to protect the rights of our fellow citizens and provide them with the necessary support, no matter where they are in the world)," he added.
According to Ejercito, her case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by many Filipinos abroad, particularly those who fall victim to deception and human trafficking. Her plight serves as a constant reminder of the need to strengthen measures to protect our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from falling prey to exploitation and illegal activities and to extend support to those wrongfully implicated or unjustly punished. He added that we must uplift and support our fellow Filipinos, especially in adversity.
"I urge the relevant authorities to thoroughly review her case and consider granting her the ultimate expression of justice and mercy—a pardon. Mary Jane deserves a second chance to rebuild her life, reunite with her family, and heal from the injustices she has endured," he said.
For Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, Indonesia should be called "big brother" due to its close relationship with the Philippines. He also stated tha the obligation of the Philippines is to honor the arrangement that she would be jailed here as a person deprived of liberty (PDL).
"Meron siyang sentence. Oh eh under our constitution may power ang presidente to grant pardon, ipinasa na sa atin, so yan ang pagkaintindi ko dyan so pasok na siya ngayon sa ating legal system sa ating sistema. Pumayag ang indonesia eh sa inyo na yan. So, whatever is the power of the president under the constitution, he can exercise (She has a point. According to our constitution, the president has the power to grant pardons, and that has been passed down to us. That's my understanding, so it is now part of our legal system. Indonesia has agreed to this on your behalf. Therefore, whatever powers the president has under the constitution, he can exercise them)," he said.
Senator Joel Villanueva stated that the successful negotiations that led to Mary Jane's return are a testament not only to strong diplomatic relations but also to the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the OFWs.
"Mary Jane's journey was not easy, but her case has been closely followed by the government from the Aquino administration up to the present, culminating in her safe return under the leadership of President Marcos," he said.
He called on the DFA and the DMW to continue to monitor the cases of our fellow Filipinos, particularly the 49 OFWs currently on death row, and ensure that they receive the necessary assistance from the government.
"This could also pave the way for our concerned government agencies to explore legal and diplomatic options, including possible commutation of sentence and allowing them to serve their sentence in the Philippines," he added.